El Clasico: The Battlefield of Epicness

The focus of all the global football fans around the world will be at the Santiago Bernabeu in Spain. This will be the first El Clasico of 2013 set to be hosted at the Bernabeu stadium.

This Copa del Rey match will feature the first leg of the El Clasico clash and the supporters will be eager to grasp the excitement. The Blaugrana are the defending champions of the Spanish Cup. Barca, who are ahead of Madrid by 15 points in the Spanish League, are ready to prove their skills at the El Clasico. As for Real Madrid, who do not have any hopes of retaining the Spanish League, they are counting on their luck to win the Copa del Rey.

Madrid Captain and super goalkeeper Casillas and defender Pepe are injured and will be unavailable, which will be a big blow to the team. In the absence of Casillas, Antonio Adan will take charge and the responsibility of keeping the ball from entering Real Madrid’s net. Because of suspension, World XI defender Sergio Ramos, midfielder Fabio Coentrao and winger Angel Di Maria will be absent. Real’s complete hopes rely upon the class striker who is in the form of his life after scoring a hat trick in the last league game, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Coming to Barca, no doubt four times World player of the year Lionel Messi will be the centre of attraction and the man to mark for the Real defence. Barcelona can count on their first team as Gerard Pique has returned from suspension. Playmaker Xavi and Fabregas can add an element of twist and spice by providing fine assists and taking advantage of the set-pieces. This El Clasico shall also witness theatrical dives and harsh fouls but not to a great extent as Pepe is unavailable, which is a sign of relief for Messi and co. Lionel Messi scored 4 goals in the last Spanish league game against Osasuna and is in top form.

During last year’s Copa del Rey semi final, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate. The first leg witnessed a 2-1 win for Barca and second leg ended in a 2-2 draw. Madrid reached the 2013 Spanish Cup semifinal by thrashing Valencia 3-1 on aggregate, although the second leg ended in a 1-1 draw, while Barcelona defeated Qatari-owned Malaga 6-4 on aggregate which witnessed a 2-2 draw in the first leg and a 4-2 win for Barca in the second leg.

The second leg of this El Clasico semi final will take place on 27th February 2013.

Probable starting line up:

Real Madrid: Adan, Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, Marcelo, Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Modric, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Barcelona: Pinto, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas, Pedro, Messi, Iniesta.

Kick off time: 1:30 am (IST)